Dylan Meyer When It's Quiet Interview

Dylan Meyer When It's Quiet Interview

Melbourne musician Dylan Meyer is gearing up for the international release of his debut EP When It's Quiet this September. The pop-influenced songwriter initially released his EP to local audiences in 2012, culminating in a sold-out Melbourne launch. After spending the past 12-months in the USA forging relationships with producers and record executives, he is ready to release the EP to the international market.

In September last year, Dylan made the decision to head overseas, something that has been incredible fortuitous for the self-funded musician. He has since started working with renowned Los Angeles producer and executive David Kershenbaun (A&M, RCA, Capitol and Elektra Records) and recognised A&R executive Judy Stakee (Warner/Chappell) on his next EP.

'It was just one of those things I knew I had to do," says Dylan of the choice to spend some time in the US. 'I really want to be where the industry is, meet other writers and musicians - play where my heroes play… So I packed my bags, sold my car, bought a plane ticket and took a leap of faith."

That leap of faith has certainly paid off and has seen Dylan write music for the hit series The Horizon. 'It was great fun," he said of the process. 'I love writing for TV, film and other artists because it really allows you to flex your creative muscles. In this case, I had met the creator a while back through another project I was working on at the time. We stayed in touch and when it came time to do music for this season, they asked me to write a song and I delivered a track I hoped they would like… and they did! So I believe it's going to be out in about a month."

The relationships Dylan has also built since being the US has helped him make the decisions on the next step for his career. He met David (Kershenbaun) when someone sent him tracks of the When It's Quiet EP. 'He was travelling at the time, but really liked them," says Dylan. 'So he emailed me and we caught up when he returned. We talked about my career and what I want to do, and then I played him a few songs I was working on which he absolutely loved. Things just took off from there."

The decision to re-release When It's Quiet internationally is the first step forward. The EP was originally only released in Australia and the interest in it has been constantly building in the US. 'The support I've received in the States is so great," Dylan says. 'When the idea was put forward to me that I should release it over here, I did it without a seconds hesitation."

Despite the burgeoning success in the US, Dylan is quick to point out that he wouldn't be where he is today if it wasn't for the support of Australian audiences. He was first catapulted into the spotlight when someone submitted one of his songs to a radio Christmas special without his knowledge. He was then contacted by a promoter asking if he would be interested in being featured in an acoustic showcase. It was there he met local producer Sam Pancetta (Kylie Minogue, Kisschasey, Crowded House) and signed to Melodic Music.

'Australian fans are always super positive and encouraging and were really instrumental in getting my music heard," he says. 'The great thing about musicians in Australia is that everyone is always pushing each other to do better, and without them pushing me, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Following the international release of When It's Quiet, Dylan is working on a follow-up EP, due out in 2015. He is also continuing to write for television, film and other artists. Keep an eye – and an ear – out, it's evident Dylan Meyer is going to be the name on everyone's lips in the not too distant future.

For more information, please visit www.dylanmeyer.com

Interview with Dylan Meyer

Question: How would you describe your music?

Dylan Meyer: Honest, revealing, catchy and refreshing.


Question: What was the main motivation behind When It's Quiet?

Dylan Meyer: I would have to say anxiety mostly haha, it's really about all those thoughts that come to you at 3am and keep you up at night.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Dylan Meyer: Yeah, I write all of my own songs. My inspiration can be anything really, but usually it's something that I'm feeling or something I really need to get off my chest.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Dylan Meyer: Everything! Honestly, I listen to everything from John Mayer to Skrillex, to Ludovico Einaudi and Fleetwood Mac. There's something to love in any piece of music.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Dylan Meyer: I never really thought about giving up; it's not a constructive mentality.

You just gotta keep looking forward and know someday it will all work out.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?
Dylan Meyer: I love all of it! But there's nothing like playing with an awesome band for an awesome crowd!


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Dylan Meyer: I started music so young I don't know if there was ever a definitive moment. Music just has this hold on me… But it was when I first watched John Mayer's 'In Your Atmosphere" from the 'Keep Me Where The Light Is" DVD that I consciously decided I was going to do this as a career.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Dylan Meyer: I didn't have money. That was a big one. It made it really difficult to record music, get photographs, buy equipment… but I'm grateful because it made me work so much harder.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Dylan Meyer: At the moment? Wake up, have coffee and check emails. Then I try writing for an hour or two before spending the rest of the day doing press and promotion (radio interviews etc.). Once that's done I come home, go to the gym, and then work until about 2 or 3am on new music or songs I'm writing for film or TV, before going to sleep and starting it all again tomorrow.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Dylan Meyer: Receiving messages from fans saying how much they like my music and how much it helped them. That's the best feeling in the world!

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Dylan Meyer: Honestly I think I could write a pretty rocking song with Taylor Swift


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Dylan Meyer: For sure! http://www.dylanmeyer.com - there's a free song on there as well!


Question: Can you tell us five things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

1) Dylan Meyer: Exercise everyday
2) Have goals and dreams and actively pursue them!
3) Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and get rid of those who pull you down, cause drama or make trouble
4) Be grateful for what you have
5) Sometimes staying home, ordering takeout and watching a movie is the best thing in the world


Question: What message would you like your music to say to your fans?

Dylan Meyer: It's okay to feel this way - you're not alone.


Interview by Brooke Hunter